—– Props to @jozjozjoz for pointing me to the video above, with apologies to Carl Orff. It is one of the best and funniest “mis-heard lyrics” I’ve seen and heard, almost as good as the granddaddy of ’em all: this interpretation of Pearl Jam’s Yellow Ledbetter. Make me fries. Continue reading
Category Archives: Humor
One way to judge a conductor
A week or so ago, I was having a discussion with a distinguished reader of All is Yar about evaluating conductors, and I was reminded of a rather amusing conductor rating survey that was circulated a few years back among members of an organization of which I was a part. The form itself was not … Continue reading
Classical music marketing: Norm Lebrecht needs a beer or two (updated)
Back in 2007, long before All is Yar was a mere Fig Newton of my imagination, Victoria Bitter (VB) beer company teamed with the Melbourne Symphony and Orchestra Victoria — playing together as the “Victoria Bitter Orchestra” — to create a unique commercial: it featured the combined orchestras playing VB’s jingle using variations on a theme … Continue reading
Turning pages: it can’t be that hard, can it?
Thoughts of this coming weekend’s concerts of the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra conducted by their tech-loving Music Director, Jeffrey Kahane, reminded me of how he has increasingly taken to using iPads instead of regular sheet music, especially when playing the piano. Among other reasons, it helps him avoid page-turning snafus. Timo Andres also used one … Continue reading
Public service announcement: Actor’s Rags to Sequins Eurovision Dream (A.R.S.E.D.)
“Every three seconds, someone in the world is cast in the musical, Les Miserables. They believe they will dream the dream, but instead, are living a nightmare. . . .” Continue reading
Happy Birthday, Gioachino Rossini (with classic video footage)
On this leap day in 1792, the great Italian composer, Gioachino Rossini, was born. He wrote over 30 operas along with many other works, but he is probably best known for The Barber of Seville. So in honor of Signore Rossini’s 220th birthday, I offer you The Barber of Seville the way most of us … Continue reading
Meeting Mozart
Have you ever wondered what it would be like if you met Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart? The REAL Mozart? Today? Stephen T. Harper, writer extraordinaire, did. Or perhaps instead of wondering, he and his awesome wife, Christie Harper, actually met the guy. It’s tough to tell . . . they are both friends of All is Yar, so you … Continue reading
Humor / Los Angeles Philharmonic / Music News & Info: Classical / Music News & Info: Rock, Jazz, World Music, etc.
One of these things is not like the other
#1) LA Phil Principal Concertmaster or British actor who used to be in Monty Python? #2) Muppet or Foo Fighter? Continue reading
A better idea than “warm salty nuts”
I’d put ice cream up there on my list of favorites along with the aforementioned orchestras and beer. And when it comes to ice cream, Ben & Jerry’s takes pride of place in our freezer. Each time I think I’ve found my go-to flavor, they manage to invent some tasty new creation, often with a … Continue reading
Symphony in Beer
You know, some things just don’t get old, especially when it involves the combination of two of my favorite things: orchestras and beer. Here’s a real 2007 Australian commercial for Victoria Bitter beer starring the Melbourne Symphony and Orchestra Victoria (playing as the “Victoria Bitter Orchestra”) in a performance of “The VB Stubby Symphony.” Also … Continue reading
Classical music marketing — try it yourself, win LA Opera tickets
Just got back from a week’s vacation up in Northern California: fun in Yosemite, Napa, and Sonoma. I spent some quality time outdoors hiking and relaxing, not to mention tasting some very yummy wines (more on that in the near future). Much of the week was spent unplugged and away from the internet (partially by … Continue reading
Free French-related Fun for Bastille Day
It’s very easy to make fun of the French because . . . well, because they are so very French. You don’t get saddled with a nickname like “cheese-eating surrender monkeys” without having deserved it in some way, shape, or form. Still, they helped us win our nation’s independence, they shipped a nice big copper … Continue reading
Free patriotic music for the 4th of July
Happy Independence Day, everyone! What better way to celebrate the 235th birthday of the Land of the Free and the Home of the Brave than with a little bit of FREE patriotic music, care of the USAF Bands [updated] . Their website offers free downloads HERE and HERE, which can come in handy if you: Are you a … Continue reading
Video humor: Whole Foods Parking Lot
Classic. “Pay my 80 bucks for my six things and get out” Continue reading
Why only now?!
Welcome to “All is Yar,” a blog devoted to enjoying life in all ways big and small, cheap or expensive, highbrow and low. I finally decided to start writing my own musings and rants after years of reading and commenting on what others — professionals and opinionated amateurs alike — have written about music, food, … Continue reading
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